Jeroboam was insecure and afraid that the people would return to Jerusalem to worship and that their allegiance would return to Rehoboam. He lacked confidence in the Lord’s ability to establish his reign, so, he tried to establish it by his own hand. He cunningly swayed the people of Israel to craft for themselves two golden calves reminiscent of the one that Aaron made for the people in the wilderness. He also set up a false priesthood, and a counterfeit feast all in the name of protecting and preserving his kingship.

Even when the ‘Man of God’ confronted him and prophesied regarding his rebellion against the Lord, Jeroboam remained stiff-necked. He desired to gain power, and manipulated the people into worshipping his way. He wasn’t willing to REST IN and RELY ON God to bring to pass the words He had spoken over Jeroboam regarding his future.

Last week, we read Psalm 127:1, “Unless the Lord builds the house, the workers labor in vain. Unless the Lord guards the city, the watchmen stay awake in vain.” Jeroboam’s actions are an excellent example of what happens when we push God to the side and try to accomplish His promises to us apart from Him. If we run around trying to establish what God has called us to do on our own strength it won’t go well. INSTEAD, WE NEED TO CHOOSE TO REST IN AND RELY ON, GOD’S PERFECT TIMING AS HE PREPARES US FOR (AND LEADS US INTO) THE PROMISES HE HAS PLANNED FOR OUR LIVES.